At a Glance
1,487Square Miles
70.9%Public Land
1,000 - 4,018Elevation Range
West of Phoenix, this desert unit includes some suburbs of Wickenburg and some outlying residential areas on its eastern edge, a contrast to wilderness areas in the western side of the unit. Thanks to transplant efforts over the past decade, the sheep population has grown to allow hunting. There is one sheep tag for this unit so it is only open to residents.
Low numbers of desert mule deer live here, but there are some mature bucks. They are most vulnerable during the winter muzzleloader and late archery seasons. There are several mountain lions. Sheep terrain is less challenging to navigate. Expect weather to be warm to hot, even in winter.
Quick Tips
- Try varmint calling for mountain lions
- A hunter can take two mountain lions a year in the Big Horn and Belmont Mountains
- High-quality optics are helpful
- Quail hunting can be good in fall and winter
- Quality dove hunting can be found around agricultural areas